AkzoNobel has opened a new center for research at its Sassenheim site in the Netherlands. Along with a research center in Slough in the UK and Singapore, the Dutch location is now one of the main research centers for AkzoNobel's Decorative Paints portfolio.

The new facility in Sassenheim will focus on research into decorative paints, wood adhesives and pre-deco products, while Slough will concentrate more on wall paints. Recent innovations involve fast-drying paints which can also be applied and repainted at low temperatures.

The new facility will house approximately 100 scientists, bringing the total number of people working in research, development and innovation (RD&I) at the Sassenheim site to around 400.

"Sustainable innovation is key to our success and the new center is a valuable investment which will enable us to organize our research activities more efficiently and effectively," said Ruud Joosten, AkzoNobel's Executive Committee member responsible for Decorative Paints.

Added Director Global R&D Decorative Paints, André van Linden: "Sassenheim is already a major research hub, but strengthening our power to innovate means we will be better positioned to focus on delivering pioneering products and technologies that make a real difference to our customers and our markets."

Boosting Sassenheim's RD&I know-how also means that the site has further enhanced its position as a key center of expertise, where researchers and scientists can share knowledge and contribute to the development of new technologies not only for decorative paints, but also for many of the company's other businesses located in Sassenheim.